BANNING or exploiting research on ketum leaves would be a “huge loss” to the country, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

He said the plant, commonly found in Malaysia, had a high medicinal value worldwide.

“If we ban research on it, we will suffer a huge loss as the plant is easy to grow and has a high value.”

Wan Junaidi voiced concern about the possibility of the United States conducting research on ketum and taking out a patent on its findings.

“We have sent a lot of it (ketum) to Thailand and the US.

“My concern is that, if the US carries out research and takes out a patent, it will be a disadvantage for us,” he said at a press conference after the Access to Biological Resources and Benefit Sharing Bill 2017 was passed in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He added that he was aware of how excessive intake of ketum affected the brain.

“This is why we are also planning to prevent the widespread use of it.

“We did not have the time to discuss the matter further yesterday as it is under the jurisdiction of the Health Ministry.”

The Access to Biological Resources and Benefit Sharing Bill 2017 aims to regulate access to the country’s biological diversity and natural resources, as well as enhance existing provisions and laws on forests, wildlife, fisheries and the international trade of endangered species.

It also protects research on local biodiversity products from being patented by other countries.

“With this law, other countries will not do it (take out patents) any more,” said Wan Junaidi.

“That is why the law is important; the implementation is across the board or (via) ministries.

“As long as it is classified as biodiversity or plants found in this country, it is protected under the law.” – August 1, 2017.